Associate General Counsel

Welch's; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Volunteer time off

Tuition reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning

401(k) plan

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Welch's is seeking an Associate General Counsel to lead a broad legal portfolio, focusing on complex commercial contracts and strategic business counseling. The role demands independent judgment, executive communication, and the ability to influence outcomes across functions.

The successful candidate will advise on corporate, regulatory, compliance, and employment matters, manage disputes with external counsel, and help build scalable policies and processes that protect the company while

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership in good standing.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Substantial experience independently drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Experience at a large law firm and/or corporate in-house counsel preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a broad portfolio including complex commercial agreements.
• Draft, negotiate, and structure material commercial contracts with suppliers and partners.
• Advise leaders on corporate, regulatory, and compliance matters.
• Translate legal issues into practical options for timely business decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage employment and labor matters.
• Oversee litigation with external counsel and align strategy with business objectives.
• Develop policies and training to strengthen legal risk management.
• Identify risks and provide solutions that protect the company while enabling growth.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic advisory

Executive communication

Risk assessment

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Bar membership

Job description

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Role Overview

The Associate General Counsel is a senior individual contributor and a trusted advisor to business leaders across Welch’s. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this attorney independently manages a broad legal portfolio, with primary responsibility for complex commercial contracting and strategic business counseling, as well as compliance, litigation, employment, and other strategic matters. The role calls for an experienced commercial attorney who can move fluently between strategy and execution: framing risk for decision-makers, leading sophisticated negotiations, and developing solutions that protect the company while enabling business priorities. Success requires sound judgment, executive-level communication, and the ability to influence outcomes without relying on formal authority.

Core Accountabilities

• Independently handle structuring, drafting, review, and negotiation of material commercial agreements with suppliers, licensees, distributors, contract manufacturers, and other strategic business partners.
• Own legal strategy and execution across the full lifecycle of complex commercial matters, from issue identification and deal structuring through negotiation, escalation, and implementation.
• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to leaders and business partners at all levels of the organization on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and compliance matters.
• Translate complex legal issues into clear options and practical recommendations that enable informed, timely business decisions.
• Participate as an accountable member of cross-functional teams, bringing a legal and enterprise-risk perspective while sharing responsibility for business outcomes.
• Advise human resources and business leaders on employment and labor matters, workplace investigations, and policies and procedures.
• Manage litigation and other disputes in partnership with external counsel, including development of strategy, oversight of execution, and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop policies, training, tools, and preventive guidance to strengthen legal compliance and reduce risk.
• Identify and assess legal and business risk, exercise judgment on escalation, and develop solutions that appropriately protect the company while supporting growth.
• Strengthen legal processes, capabilities, and best practices to improve consistency, efficiency, and the quality of legal support across the organization.

Scope and Impact

Autonomy: Must operate with substantial independence on complex matters, applying seasoned judgment and escalating issues appropriately.

Influence: Must possess strong communication skills to advise stakeholders and influence without authority across functions and levels, including senior leaders and external business partners.

Complexity: Must balance competing demands to deliver timely, strategic advice on legal, regulatory, commercial, and reputational considerations in matters with meaningful enterprise impact.

Business-First Mindset: Must integrate legal advice with business objectives, build strong relationships at all levels across the organization, and help cross-functional teams reach practical, executable decisions.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active bar membership in good standing.
• Active bar membership and authorization to practice law.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible legal experience.
• Substantial experience independently drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Demonstrated ability to advise business leaders, evaluate competing risks and priorities, and deliver practical legal solutions in a fast-moving environment.
• Experience at a large law firm and/or as corporate in-house counsel strongly preferred.

What You’ll Enjoy

At Welch’s, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organization with a bold vision for the future and a culture built on collaboration, belonging, and impact. We offer a comprehensive rewards package designed to support your well-being, growth, and success, including:

• Inclusive culture: Join a workplace where you belong, are encouraged to share your voice, and have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself.
• Passionate community: Make an individual impact on the success of the business while working alongside colleagues who care deeply about what we do.
• Hybrid work model: Enjoy a flexible and collaborative work environment designed to support well-being, productivity, and connection.
• Paid time off and holidays: Take time away from work to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most.
• Paid volunteer time off: Receive 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually for all non-union employees.
• Development and advancement: Access LinkedIn Learning, tuition reimbursement, and both formal and informal opportunities to grow your career.
• Competitive compensation: Receive a competitive base salary and annual incentive plan.
• 401(k) plan: Benefit from a generous company match to help support your financial future.
• Flexible benefits from day one: Choose benefits that meet your needs and preferences, including health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; life and accident insurance; Employee Assistance Programs; and additional savings through Perks at Work.
• Paid parental and adoption leave: Available after 6 months of employment.

Compensation

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $210,000 to $230,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and represents Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting.

Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.